Rotary valve structure for internal-combustion engines



A. C. MEHRTENS.

ROTARY VALVE STRUCTURE FOR iNTERNA'L COMBUSTION ENGINES.

- APPLICATION FILED MAR. 19, m9.

1,411,449. Patented Apr. 4, 1922.

' J W??? 1%M Fig.2

QMm-O access 0. MEI-IRTENS, or MILWAUK E, WISCQNSIN.

ROTARY VALVE STRUCTURE FGR INTERNALCOMBUSTIQN, ENGINES.

Application filed March 19, 1919. Serial No.

To all/whom it may concern Be it known that I, Auous'r C. MEHRTENS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Milwaukee, in the countyot' Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Rotary Valve- Structures for Internal-Combustion Engines, of which the tollowing is a specification.

The disadvantages, both from structural and operating standpoints, of poppet and sleeve inlet and exhaustvalves for automobile, truck, aeroplane,and other internaleombustion engines are well known, the desirability for suitable rotary valves o1 this kind being more or less equally appreciated. Accordingly, the main or leading obj eet of my invention is the provision of a rotary or similar alve structure which overcomes and avoids the several objections previously raised, not without legitimate basis, against valves of this type and style. My purpose is to supply a valve construction which is capable of lreing machined or finished with ease, dis

patch, and economy, and consequently. of moderate manufacturing cost, which may be operated effectively over a large range of speeds and with the expenditure of but a small amount ofpower. which will distribute full even charges of theexplosive gaseous mixture to all oi? the various companion engine cylinders. which will effect a more com plete discharge of the exploded or spent gases than has heretofore been possible, thus keeping the cylinders well scavenged, which will have but comparatively little pressure exerted on its bearing surfaces, which will have long life and afford sustaned horsepower, and which will run smoothly and silently. My improved valves are so constructed'that they have no cams or eccentrics, springs, tappets, or heavy reciprocating sleeves, and will not hammer, warp, burn out, or vibrate. Furthermore. such novel valves will not require adjustment or rz-vgrinding, nor will they stick from heating or warping, and there will be no appreciable gas leakage around them.

In order that those skilled in this art may understand and hence appreciate the numerous important advantages of a structure of this new character possessing the above and other-desirable qualities. I have illustrated in the accompanying drawing, throughout the various views of which like reference characters refer to the same parts,

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 4, 1922.,

without departure from the substance and essence of the invention and without the sacrifice of any of its substantial benefits'and advantages.

\ In this drawing:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary, vertical, cross section through one cylinder of a multi-cylinder internal-combustion engine or motor:

equipped with my improved type of separate and independent rotary inlet and exhaust valves;

. Figure 2 is a longitudinal, substantiallyhorizontal section on line and Figure 3 is another fragmentary or partial lengthwise section on line '3-3 of Figure 1.

Although only a smallpart of one cylinder 10 of the engine or motor and afragment of each reeiprocatory piston 11 are shown in this drawing, it is to be borne in mind that the appliance has a plurality of aligned cylinders and pistons as is customary, and that these are provided withseparate intake and discharge valves, all of the inlet valves being in registerv and rotated one through or by the other, the exhaust valves being similarly arranged and actuated. Consequently, only one inlet and one exhaust valve appear in Figure l,although one complete valve or valve section and portions of the valves associated with its opposite ends are shown in Figure 2. As is illustrated, the cylinders are waterjacketed at 12 for and each cylinder at its top end has an inlet port 13, converging somewhat downwardly by being beveled or rounded off at 14 and an exhaust or discharge port 15 tapering somewhat upwardly by-being rounded or curved at 16. As will be readily understood the easingor rounding oil of these wallsof such passages facilitates the flow of gases therethrough in their proper direction of travel.

The articulated or sectional admission valve structure comprises a number of aligned, associated or coupled cylindrical valves 17, one for each cylinder, these, registering members being rotated at one-quarter 2-2 of Figure 1;

the usual cooling purpose,

of the engine or'crank-shaft speed through or by one another, the end one bein driven from the engine or motor crank-shaft in any approved manner not deemed necessary to illustrate; The combination valve structure is revoluble in a cylindrical bearing 18 surrounded by the liquid of the water-jacket. These valves are hollow.- as illustrated and at each end each has a pair of diametricallyopposite substantiallysemi spherical cavities 19, (Figure-2) registering with like recesses in theadj acent end of the next valve; So far as this coupling feature is concerned both the inlet and discharge valves are alike so that the showing in Figure 2 in this respect sufiices for both types of valves. Employed as a driving or power-transmitting meansbetween the valves and also permitting-such valve-members or sections to rock on one another or tilt slightly with relation to one another to compensate for any une ual heating or tendency to warp I emp o a pair. of balls 20, 20 seated in such soc etsl9, 19. Thus, the rotation of each valve'is transmitted to the next one through such coupling or connecting balls, and in turn and by like means such driven valve section or member rotates the next, and so on. Cores are used for the production of these hollow valves requiring the presence of the end holes 21 which, in the finished valves, are closed by plates 22.

Each of these valves hasthrough it a transverse or diametrical port 23 of substantially the'same length as the corresponding cylinder port 13, the valve passage being of m nimum crosssectional dimensions, that is, narrowest and shortest,at its center 24 flaring therefrom in opposite directions both lengthwise and crosswise the valve, all as is clearly shown. Above the valve, that is, above each cylinder of the motor, the wall of the structure has an inlet port 25 converging toward the valve, the walls of the ort being surrounded by the Water of the 1acket. This shape or form of the gas ports or passages assures a full charge of gas reaching each cylinder, since its flow through them to the cylinders is facilitated by their shapes or roundedconformations. Furthermore, it should be noted that the outer port 25 is materially wider than the corresponding cylinder port 13, thus insuring the use of the latter to its full capacity. Inasmuch as the mouths or ends of the rotaryvalve port 23 are wider than the stationary' engine port with which it coacts the period of opening of the latter may be made whatever is desired by suitably designing the parts.

As is fullyillustrated, the exhaust port 26' is similar to the admission port 25, but is reversely flared or tapered, thusnot only aidingthe discharge flow of the hot spent gases from the motor, but also lengthening the newable or removable protective liner or shell 29 which has through it a centrally constricted passage 30 of substantially the 7 same shape as that of the inlet valve and for similar purpose. This liner, in order to permit it to freely expand and contract, twist, warp, or otherwise become distorted in shape under the high heat to which it is subjected, is held in place by a single transverse screw 31 extended through the wall of the valve and into a cavity in theliner, This arrangement also affords a simple, efficient means for maintaining the liner shell or sleeve in place and permitting its ready removal or replacement If desired, althoughit is. not in all cases required, a shell or tube of heat insulation material 32 may beinterposed between the valve opening or port and its lining, It is to be remembered, nevertheless, that a fair share of the heat transmitted by the hot escaping gases to such liner must inturn be conducted away i'rom it otherwise it will become unduly heated. To meet this condition, in part at least, the hollow valve is'provided with centrally-arranged opposite webs 33 and 34 connecting the walls of the passage 28 with the outer cylindrical wall. By employing such webs or connecting walls, through one of which the screw 31 extends, the heat is comparatively uniformly transmitted or conducted to the outer cylindrical wall of the valve and hence the tendency to unequal expansion and warping or twisting is in a large measure, it not entirely, overcome.

s thecase of the admission valve. the combined or coupled exhaust valves rotate in a bearing the wall 35 of which is surrounded by the water in the cooling jacket whereby the heat of the exhaust valves is in time carried by the water to the engine radiator where it is cooled in theusual way. As was the (use with the inlet or admission valves these, discharge valves are rotated by 7 suitable driving means (not shown) driven directlvcr indirectl} from the main engine or crank-shaft. i

A slight amount of lengthwise play is provided between the valves oi the whole valve system, especially the exhaust valves.

whereby to errnitthem to expand longivalves, thereby maintaining a pressure ti 'ht but ievcrtheless yieldebleconnection be en them. Furthermore. adjeceut to the cylinder and engine ports of each valve and just beyond such ports, taking into account the direction of rotntioi'i oi the valves, the bean ing has lengthwise grooves, 38. for the cvhaust valves and ll) and 41 for the inlet valves, extended substantially the full length of inch valve and to which oil under pressure ted through pipes e2, 43. a l and Thus, the oil from t ese various supplies delivered under pressure and hence "t ed freely to the points desired forms films and suds the valves in their hearings in a coinpression proot manner preventing escape of the gas under full pressure. it should he observed, furthermore, that the rotation of the valves soreuds the oil ted to the beuring ut the points indicated in the form (it a film through its entire length thus acting not nly as a. lul'irirant but also asu pressureit filling.

waving described in detail the various parts of this valve structure it should be noted that in the case of the inlet valve and also the exhaust valve the cylinder ports 13 and 1.5 respectively have'the-proper calculuted dimensions 2nd these should preterably be narrmv since their area determines the gas pressure on the "alves. il ith the upper engine port and the rotary valve port both wider than the correspoiuling cylinder port. when the latter is open a small. au'iount, the other ports are open much more, Where by the only r 1' tion to the flow of resides in the. cylinder port, thus affording thmaximum volume of flow with resulinp; large power. The rouiuling or curvassures cisy iiou' inn of g ns passages without undue re ardution due to trictiz Wire drawing; and the avoidance of unneves sary odd currents, and the valre in each cale is pen Fully tor considerabl period of its opening.

it will be apprcciatml, furthermore, that all of the parts which might otherwise be -'%UiJ lQCti to excessive heating are fully pro t J by the \vatcujnckct which surrounds ta, "elves and the ported Wells, and that tee h. t gases are in large ineasuire kept uvvay from the vulve seat or bearingsurface to ulairh he lubricating and j'iressure-sealing )per quantity under pressure,

*1 and principles of the invention.

the oil delivered ut the joints between the valves working; its Way in both directions along the length of each alve, thus suppleinenting that supplied to the lvHlPJlbllCllllll grooves in the hearing, the oil tron: all sources by [he rotation of the valves beingspread between the surfaces in the form of a film which pertorins the sealing or filing luncticni us vvell as that ot lubrication. It Will be understood that eac valve has oil fed to it at four places, thus assuring); a uni. form continuous and uninterrupted thin film or layer between. the parts.

By having the VnlVG ports extended .directly across the valve the hot exl'uiust gases are disposed and discharged as quicl-zly as possible tl'ius'reducing to a n'iininniu'i the amount of heat which they twinsmit to the various elements with Which, they come in contact. In t iis Way also such gases are kept away from the valve seat or hearing.

lt is to be remembered that Whereas a specific embodiment ot the invention has been, presented in detail the invention is not limited to such j nirticulur einbo. in brmder aspect it is susceptible of incorpo ution in uppliances varying widely in structural characteristics. The appliance illustrater. and described is merely presented by 'rvay of Xample remembering that to those skilled in this art various minor change. will doubtl ss suggest themselves main. "features rout: departingfrom the 1 claim:

1. In a rotary valve structure of the character described for internul-coinbustion engines and the like, the combination of n cylindricel bearing, a. plurality of cylindrical valves in said bearing coupled together end to end whereby they may be rotated by one another, and means to feed a liquid directly to the joints between the valves, substun t-ially as described. i

2. ln a rotary valve structure of the churucter described tor internal-con'ibustion engines and the like/the combination of a" cylindrical bearing, u plurality ot' cylindrical valves in sand bearing coupled together end to end whereby they may be rotated by "lin'ientsince one another, and means to force a liquid un der pressure into the joints between the valves, substantially as described.

3. In a rotary valve s"ructure of the character described for internul coinbustion en glues and the like, the'coinbiimtion oi a plurulity oil valves coupled together end to end vhereby they may be rotated by one another, and means to force a lubricant under pressure the valve substantially as described.

d. In a rotary valve structure otthe charecter described for internal-co nbustionengines and the like, the combination n cylindrical bearing, a plurality of cylindrical" directly into the joints between valves, and means to force a lubricant under pressure into the bearing to create a compression-proof film between the cylindrical surfaces of the valves and bearing, substantially as described.

acter described for internal-combustion engines and the like, the combination of a cylindrical bearing, a plurality of cylindrical valves in said bearing arranged end to end, driving couplings between the ends of said valves whereby they may be rotated by one another, said couplings being constructed to permit said valves to shift out of alignment, and means to force a liquid directly into the joints between said valves, substantially as described.

6. In a rotary valve structure of the character described for internal-combustion engines and the like, the combination of a cylindrical bearing, a plurality of cylindrical valves in said bearing arranged end to end, driving couplings between the ends of said valves whereby they may be rotated by one another said couplingsbeing constructed to permit said valves to shift out of alignment, means to force a liquid lubricant directly into the joints between said valves, and means to force a liquid lubricant and thereby create a compression-proof film between the surfaces of said valves and hearing, substantially as described.

7. In an appliance of the character described, the combination of a ported internalcombustion engine, a cylindrical bearing, a cylindrical rotary valve in said bearing, said valve having a port extended directly transversely therethrough and co-operating with the ports of said engine, said valve port having a constricted intermediate portion withenlarged ends, the walls of said valveport being carved from said constricted point to its 0 posite ends, means to force a lubricant un er pressure into said bearing to create a compression-proof film between the cylindrical surfaces of the valves and bearing, and means to force a lubricant under pressure to the ends of said valves, substantially aS described.

8. In an appliance of the character described, the combination of a ported in ternal-combustion engine, a cylindrical bearing, a plurality of rotary cylindrical independent valves in said bearing coupled together end to end whereby they may be rotated by one another, said coupling bein constructed to permit said valves to s ift out of alignment, each of said 'valves having a port extended directly transversely therethrough and cooperating with ports of the engine, and means to feed 5. In a rotary valve structure of the char a lubricant under pressure directly into the joints between said valves, substantially as described. I

9. In an appliance of the character described, the combination of a ported internal-combustion engine, a bearing, a rotary valve in said bearing having a passage extended directly transversely therethrough, and a liner removably mounted in said passage and having a port intermediately constricted and fiaring toward both ends cooperating with the ports of said engine, substantially as described.

10. In an appliance of the character described, the combination of a ported internal-combustion engine, a bearing, a rotary valve in said bearing having a passage extended directly transversely therethrough, and a liner removably mounted in said passage free to expand in any direction, said liner having an intermediately constricted port flaring toward both ends cooperating with the ports of said engine, substantially as described.

- 11. In an appliance of the character described, the combination of a ported engine, a bearing, a rotary valve in said bearing having a passage extended directly transversely therethrough, a liner in said passage having a port cooperating withthose of said engine, and a single screw removably maintaining said liner in position in said passage, substantially as described.

12:111 an internal-combustion engine of the character described, the combination of a bearing having gas ports leading thereto and therefrom and tapered in the direction of the gas flow therethrough with converging curved Walls, and a valve revoluble in said bearing having a port with a curved wall extended directly transversely therethrough and cooperating with said bearing ports, substantially as described.

13. In an internal-combustion engine of the character described, the combination ota bearing having ports leading thereto and therefrom and tapered in the direction of the gas flow therethrough, and a valve revoluble in said bearing having a port extended directly transversely therethrough and adapted to cooperate with said hearing ports,

said valve port having a constricted inter mediate portion with enlarged ends, substantially as described.

14. In a construction of the character described, the combination of an internal-combustion engine including its cylinder, abearing, the cylinder and bearing being con nected b a gas-port, the engine also having a secon gas-port in communication with said bearing and of greater cross-sectional area than said cylinder-port, both of said ports converging in the direction of gas flow therethrough, and a valve rotatable in said bearing having a port extended directly transversely thcrethrough cooperating with said cylinder and engine ports and having a constricted intermediate portion of substantially the same cross-section as the narrow portion of one of said ports, substantially as described.

15. In a construction of the character de scribed, the combination of an internal-conibustion engine including its cylinder, a bearing, the cylinder and bearing being connected by a gas-port, the engine also having a second gasport in communication with said bearing and of greater cross-sectional area than said cylinder port, both of said ports having curved Walls converging in the direction of gas flow therethrough, and a valve rotatable in said bearing having a port- With curved walls extended directly transversely therethrough cooperating With said cylinder and engine ports and having a middle constricted intermediate portion of substantially the same cross-sectional area as the narrow portion of said first port, substantially as described.

16. In a construction or the character described the combination of an internal-conibustion engine including its cylinder, a bearing the cylinder and bearing being connected by a gas port, the engine also having another gas port in communication With said bearing and of greater cross-sectional area than said cylinder port, both of said ports converging in the direction of the gas flow therethrough, and a valve rotatable in said bearing having a port extended directly transversely therethrough cooperating with said cylinder and engine ports and having a constricted intermediate portion, substantially as described.

AUGUST G. MEHRTENS. 

